The UK's official coronavirus death toll has lifted by 89 in 24 hours to stand at a tragic 43,995. The figures were released roughly five hours later than normal this evening.
The government faced criticism after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson did not read out the latest figures in tonight's briefing - the first since the conferences were scrapped.
Ministers ordinarily read out the death toll in the daily coronavirus press briefings, and released them before 5pm. The figures have been shared by the Department of Health and Social Care tonight (DHSC).
It comes ahead of Saturday, July 4 restrictions easing in England which will allow pubs and restaurants to reopen, and services like hairdressers to resume trading.